"Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble." (V1&2) We already know how important it is to choose our friends wisely, people rub off on you. We know to surround ourselves with people who encourage us, build us up and ideally someone who shares in our walk with Christ. |
Have you ever heard of, "Guilty by Association" ? It gets so easy to get caught up in the wrong things when your with the wrong people. It usually doesn't happen right in front of your face either... it is subtle and sneaky... things usually become more grey instead of black and white... your opinions, beliefs start to become distorted. I would say that this is why a lot of parents are careful and concerned about who their children spend their time with.
It says here that their ways are wicked. Their desire is to destroy someone else in order to build themselves up. Do not let yourself learn their ways ... flee!
"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established." (V3)
It goes on to talk about the rooms. I love this because it is the true description of what a home should look like.
Your home should be a hiding place to the broken, it should be filled with happiness and forgiveness, it should be a home filled with godly example. A home that is full of prayer and God's guiding.
What an incredible safe place you can raise your family in. A home that is built upon your faith in God will not be easily shaken.
This does not mean you will be rich in wealth and have all the treasures you want. It does mean you will be rich in love, happiness, joy and peace.
"If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!" (V10)
God can do so many crazy, great things in us. But a lot of the time, it requires perseverance.
God is always working in us, to change us, to strengthen us... through every trial, don't give up!
Verse 12 is warning us against lies and excuses we give to God. He knows our heart and our intentions.
"Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul, if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." (V 14)
This is such an encouragement for me.
Hold wisdom in your heart and live it out, seek God, love others. God has a wonderful plan for your life, but it will only happen if you allow him to teach and shape you to be more like him... which remember means change.
"Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice." (V 17) This can be very hard for sometimes, can't it? Especially when we have been hurt by the other person, sometimes all we want is for them to hurt like we do. But how are we any different than them by rejoicing in their suffering?
Choices like this give us the chance to really change our heart for the better, or to let it separate us from God.
Bethany Joy
It says here that their ways are wicked. Their desire is to destroy someone else in order to build themselves up. Do not let yourself learn their ways ... flee!
"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established." (V3)
It goes on to talk about the rooms. I love this because it is the true description of what a home should look like.
Your home should be a hiding place to the broken, it should be filled with happiness and forgiveness, it should be a home filled with godly example. A home that is full of prayer and God's guiding.
What an incredible safe place you can raise your family in. A home that is built upon your faith in God will not be easily shaken.
This does not mean you will be rich in wealth and have all the treasures you want. It does mean you will be rich in love, happiness, joy and peace.
"If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!" (V10)
God can do so many crazy, great things in us. But a lot of the time, it requires perseverance.
God is always working in us, to change us, to strengthen us... through every trial, don't give up!
Verse 12 is warning us against lies and excuses we give to God. He knows our heart and our intentions.
"Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul, if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." (V 14)
This is such an encouragement for me.
Hold wisdom in your heart and live it out, seek God, love others. God has a wonderful plan for your life, but it will only happen if you allow him to teach and shape you to be more like him... which remember means change.
"Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice." (V 17) This can be very hard for sometimes, can't it? Especially when we have been hurt by the other person, sometimes all we want is for them to hurt like we do. But how are we any different than them by rejoicing in their suffering?
Choices like this give us the chance to really change our heart for the better, or to let it separate us from God.
Bethany Joy